All are welcome to begin 2024 journeying together during the Franciscan Federation’s online retreat designed to inspire, connect, and transform. The event is Jan. 14 from 1 to 5 p.m. EST and repeats on Feb. 4 from 3 to 7 p.m. EST (both via Zoom). The retreat is free for all members of the Franciscan Federation and all Franciscan-inspired people; registration is required.
Our speakers will bring their Franciscan wisdom to the themes of Greccio (the crib), Journeying, and Francis’ Stigmata (the cross) on this special day of reflection and sharing. Together, we will discover how events that occurred 800 years ago continue to transform us today. We’ll hear from Franciscan priest and author Father Murray Bodo, Order of Friars Minor; Franciscan Federation’s Associate Director Eunice J. Park, MTS, MAMC; and Franciscan School of Theology Associate Professor Darleen Pryds, Ph.D.
For more information or to register, visit the event’s website at https://www.franfed.org/gatherings/annual-retreat.
About Franciscan Federation
The Franciscan Federation is an organization of vowed religious, associates, secular Franciscans, lay Franciscans and all who seek to live out a Franciscan life in today’s world. Rooted in tradition, we are on a Franciscan journey together toward the future. Learn more at franfed.org.
About Franciscan Centenaries: Creche and Stigmata
In 1223, wanting to emphasize the humble circumstances of Jesus's birth and to inspire the local people to appreciate the Christmas story more deeply, St. Francis set up a live Nativity scene, or crèche, in a cave in the quaint Italian village of Greccio, marking the beginning of a tradition still celebrated today. In 1224, St. Francis received the stigmata, physical wounds matching the wounds of Christ, on his body during a vision. This pivotal moment marked the acknowledgement of his complete dedication to living the life of Christ.